A complete biker newbie
Discussion
MoggieMinor said:
GS500. The bike I did my DAS on a few years ago. (I was a beginner to biking) A great bike to ride and a nice step up from a 125. I'd recommend one to anyone.
Downside is it's now too small to do a DAS on (under 600cc, if I did it on a GS I'd end up with a restricted A2 licence) but should still give me a chance to try out a full size bikeMoggieMinor said:
Sorry I forgot things had changed. Bandit 600 then!
They keep bloody changing it! My friend is younger than me but did her test years ago on a 125, that would be a walk in the park!Went out for a brief go on the GS500E today, got the basic maneuvering of the bike and some low speed work under my belt.
Didn't find the extra bulk an issue, though having the extra power in my right hand meant I was using the brake and clutch for control a lot more than needed on a 125.
Found the 500 to be a little boggy at low end, could of been me being to wary of the throttle (at a speed I'd probably walk the bike anyway) but because of the limited space I couldn't really try out the bonus of riding a larger bike (topped out just under 30).
Spoken to 2 instructors so far (tried the one I did my CBT with and got no response). £515 for a 3 day course or £640 for a slightly slower paced one. Both include bike use and test fees I'm just not sure of the right approach.
LoonR1 said:
A GS500 is hardly a powerful bike. Don't be scared of it.
I'm aware of this and I never said scared but as the only bikes I've ridden have been piddly little 125s it has a lot more poke than the huge 11bhp I'm used to which made me wary at first. theshrew said:
Why not say to them you will do day 1 see how you feel on the bike and decide if you want the short or longer course.
You will soon get used to being on a bigger bike + doing it at this time of year will get you some experience riding on damp / wet roads which is a good thing.
I am seriously tempted to do just that, part of the reason my friend let me loose on private land today was just to get a feel for a full size bike, aside from a slightly wider turning circle I didn't find it as big a step as I was expecting (even though as Loon said it's hardly a rocket).You will soon get used to being on a bigger bike + doing it at this time of year will get you some experience riding on damp / wet roads which is a good thing.
I've deliberately taken the 125 out in this weather for just that reason, as long as it isn't icy it doesn't phase me much more than it does in the car.
LoonR1 said:
That wasn't my point. A GS500 is a bike in a very low state of tune, pushing out a whopping 45-50 BHP, so it's not a scary bike and will be easy for the OP to come to terms with, rather than be scared of it.
Few bikes allow you to make mistakes as well. Falling off at 20mph under a lorry or car is going to hurt just as much. Staying on at 150mph is going to hurt just as little as doing so at 20 mph.
Went out for my first (official) lesson last Saturday (got another one booked tomorrow).Few bikes allow you to make mistakes as well. Falling off at 20mph under a lorry or car is going to hurt just as much. Staying on at 150mph is going to hurt just as little as doing so at 20 mph.
Started off back on the little CG125 I did my CBT on just so the instructor could get as bearing on us (the other student and I) - God those things are awful compared to my GS125!
Next up they rolled a brace of GS500s out of the corner (I'm assuming A2 restricted as lass I was with was only doing her A2). Got them out on the road and found it (as you said) very easy to come to terms with. Because I was out on the road and not getting used to it by low speed maneuvers the extra size and power was easy to get to grips with.
Did nearly drop the bloody thing, was asked to pull in to the side of the road, no curb and I got too far over, front tyre found some mud and the bike tried to slid over. Luckily I'm tall enough that I got my right leg down and propped the bike up
Onto the Mod 1 training (I'm assuming on whatever 600 they have) then booking my test (looks like it will be March now though
)and the saga continues...
Got my Mod1 booked for March (turns out I'm not the only one with the idea of doing it over winter ).
Confident on my Mod1 but still need to work on my road positioning for my Mod2.
Also put a deposit down on this last night. Not the most exciting bike (as previously discussed here) but it's done under 11k, aside from the chain it is immaculate and my mate is letting me pay it off monthly as my Landie stole £300 out of my bike fund
Got my Mod1 booked for March (turns out I'm not the only one with the idea of doing it over winter
).Confident on my Mod1 but still need to work on my road positioning for my Mod2.
Also put a deposit down on this last night. Not the most exciting bike (as previously discussed here) but it's done under 11k, aside from the chain it is immaculate and my mate is letting me pay it off monthly as my Landie stole £300 out of my bike fund
Pothole said:
Looks nice and clean and despite its shortcomings it's a perfect first bike in many ways. Robust, easy to use and uncomplicated. Nothing to put you off using it anytime you feel like it.
This was my logic. I know it's owner (so I know it has been looked after) and it has done sod all miles. Aside from the chain (and I know a man for that) it's spotless. It had a flat battery on Sat but I had a go on it a few weeks ago on a bit of private land and it starts and stops as it should. Even got a tank bag thrown in (his new bike has a plastic tank).I've done a few of my lessons on one of them, not a crotch rocket but comfortably more poke than my little GS125 without being daft for a newbie.
Was going to keep the 125 too but I think I will have to move it on (money and space), should get my money back on it in a few months
Oddly the GS500 appears to be cheaper to insure than the GS125
Pothole said:
hain and sprocket change is easy peasy, mate. Don't pay anyone to do that kind of thing. If it even needs changing, that is. Give it a thorough lubing and it'll probably be fine. (check the teeth are all straight on the rear sprocket)
I meant for the chain itself (Girfriend's dad owns a shop that sells chains, belts, sprockets etc). The rear sprocket appears to be alright but the chain itself is a little tired. Will take the cover off to have a look at the front one when it arrives back here.andburg said:
It'll be much faster just for replacing those mirrors!
125's are expensive to insure as they're ridden by inexperienced riders on CBT's and thrown down the road
Yeah it's being kept in a back garden and the gate is too small to fit the bike through with the mirrors in 'riding' position (wondered how long it would take someone to spot that 125's are expensive to insure as they're ridden by inexperienced riders on CBT's and thrown down the road
)Yeah that was my conclusion in the end. Touchwood I've not thrown mine anywhere (but I have dropped it once
)I'm getting rather impatient to get it on the road now
Moved on with my lessons to a CBF600 and found that a very smooth bike to ride.
Thursday just gone (5th) I arrived at my instructors at 0930 and with my instructor and another learner we headed for Newport for our Mod1s.
The only downside to the day was the other learner. A nice enough old boy but he was running point and being such a dithering muppet that by 3pm I could of cheerfully ridden into him just to put me out of my misery
. By the time we arrived back at base (around 1700) My teeth hurt from my jaw being clenched in frustration. My only bonus is if I can manage to control the bike reasonably smoothly while stuck behind that jerky ditherer then my MOD2 should be a breeze!
Anyhoo...
Went in to the test centre. Watched a test. Went in for my test and...
... Nailed it
. 0 faults 
. I thought I had stuffed it right at the end with the avoidance (in wanting to make sure I hit the 50kph min speed I went through a bit fast at 58!) but managed to stay just far enough right to miss the inside cone.
Next up is my MOD2 at the end of the month. Then I can get the bike taxed for the beginning of next month and get some miles under my belt
Moved on with my lessons to a CBF600 and found that a very smooth bike to ride.
Thursday just gone (5th) I arrived at my instructors at 0930 and with my instructor and another learner we headed for Newport for our Mod1s.
The only downside to the day was the other learner. A nice enough old boy but he was running point and being such a dithering muppet that by 3pm I could of cheerfully ridden into him just to put me out of my misery
. By the time we arrived back at base (around 1700) My teeth hurt from my jaw being clenched in frustration. My only bonus is if I can manage to control the bike reasonably smoothly while stuck behind that jerky ditherer then my MOD2 should be a breeze!Anyhoo...
Went in to the test centre. Watched a test. Went in for my test and...
... Nailed it
. 0 faults . I thought I had stuffed it right at the end with the avoidance (in wanting to make sure I hit the 50kph min speed I went through a bit fast at 58!) but managed to stay just far enough right to miss the inside cone.Next up is my MOD2 at the end of the month. Then I can get the bike taxed for the beginning of next month and get some miles under my belt
BritishRacinGrin said:
Sounds like you're going to need to work on your temper / patience if you're going to be able to ride with a clear head and make the right decisions.
My issue was I was stuck. Normally at the speed he was plodding around at I could be around safely and on my way within 10min with no problem at all. As it was I was just stuck with no option but to sit there. It was like being stuck in a queue behind a tractor for 70 miles (and I wish I was just being melodramatic
). Really did put a damper on my first long distance ride.Hmm I suppose I need to update this now.
Went for my Mod2 at the beginning of the month and failed (nerves got the better of me and I b
ksed up a roundabout )
Went for my second attempt today. Got followed by an instructor in a Vauxhall Mokka and aside from stuffing up one of the questions at the beginning (which I am still really pissed about as I know the answer but just drew a blank at the time) I managed to get a pass with 1 minor (the aforementioned question).
Got back home, swapped the insurance over, got the bike taxed and got out on the road.
Got 30miles under my belt pottering around this evening (BONUS: Unlike the 125 it has lights that work in the dark ). It is a world away from the 125 (big surprise) and a lot twitchier than the CBF600 I had been riding for my test (narrower tyres and a less smooth throttle response). Will be taking it out to Aberystwyth tomorrow to go see the girlfriend so will get a proper chance to get to grips with it.
Went for my Mod2 at the beginning of the month and failed (nerves got the better of me and I b
ksed up a roundabout )Went for my second attempt today. Got followed by an instructor in a Vauxhall Mokka and aside from stuffing up one of the questions at the beginning (which I am still really pissed about as I know the answer but just drew a blank at the time) I managed to get a pass with 1 minor (the aforementioned question).
Got back home, swapped the insurance over, got the bike taxed and got out on the road.
Got 30miles under my belt pottering around this evening (BONUS: Unlike the 125 it has lights that work in the dark
). It is a world away from the 125 (big surprise) and a lot twitchier than the CBF600 I had been riding for my test (narrower tyres and a less smooth throttle response). Will be taking it out to Aberystwyth tomorrow to go see the girlfriend so will get a proper chance to get to grips with it.Not quite Esceptico, about 20miles from the border but enough around here to make it fun
No idea, plenty of tread and no signs of age, just a little narrower than the ones on the Honda school bike and it's noticeable. Not quite as pointy as a new set but not squared off enough to need replacing. Judging by the dust worn off the tyres on the ride over to Aber today I can't see the chicken strips being challenged though
Had a good ride to Aber, sunny but I wish I'd left my winter glove liners in. That and the narrower seat on the GS500 meant certain parts got a little squished
Mr2Mike said:
How old are the tyres, and are they squared off in the middle? Congrats on passing your mod2 as well
Thanks Mike. No idea, plenty of tread and no signs of age, just a little narrower than the ones on the Honda school bike and it's noticeable. Not quite as pointy as a new set but not squared off enough to need replacing. Judging by the dust worn off the tyres on the ride over to Aber today I can't see the chicken strips being challenged though
Had a good ride to Aber, sunny but I wish I'd left my winter glove liners in. That and the narrower seat on the GS500 meant certain parts got a little squished
My little GS125 is sold . Took it for an early MOT this morning (would run out early July but wanted to sell with a full ticket). Clean pass (after a bulb change).
My boss was right, buy a second hand Jap, sold 'er for slightly more than I paid 10 months ago (allowing for the new battery, front forks and various other bits means it's cost me about £60 in all!)
Felt hilariously small after a week and 250 miles on the 500, I'm definitely glad I went on to do the DAS rather than stick on a CBT but I'll still miss the little toy bike when it goes. At least it's going to a mate so I'll still see it on a regular basis (yes I realise this makes me sound like a sad fk but 'er was my first!)
. Took it for an early MOT this morning (would run out early July but wanted to sell with a full ticket). Clean pass (after a bulb change).My boss was right, buy a second hand Jap, sold 'er for slightly more than I paid 10 months ago (allowing for the new battery, front forks and various other bits means it's cost me about £60 in all!)
Felt hilariously small after a week and 250 miles on the 500, I'm definitely glad I went on to do the DAS rather than stick on a CBT but I'll still miss the little toy bike when it goes. At least it's going to a mate so I'll still see it on a regular basis (yes I realise this makes me sound like a sad f
k but 'er was my first!)Don't say that, I want the little un cherished
Had a small issue today, brake had seized on when it was stood and seemed a little stiff, being an idiot I thought "Ahh it'll free up after a bit of use"
Got it home today and thought I better take a look. I'm bloody glad I did!
I thought my old Escort had had them worn down to the limit but this was rather alarming
Had a small issue today, brake had seized on when it was stood and seemed a little stiff, being an idiot I thought "Ahh it'll free up after a bit of use"
Got it home today and thought I better take a look. I'm bloody glad I did!
I thought my old Escort had had them worn down to the limit but this was rather alarming
darthdicky said:
Cheers for posting your experiences - I'm in the same situation and have decided this is the year to get started on my licence. Managed to get a jacket, gloves, trousers and boots for £30 from someone at work so just need to find a helmet (any recommendations?) and do my CBT. Depending on how that goes I was planning to try and avoid buying a 125 to practice on and just go for an intensive 5 day DAS course before buying something in the 600 region to get some time on, but I'm keen to see what others think of that idea? Does the extra experience on a 125 make everything else easier?
You're welcome DD, A little bloggy type thread came in handy for advice from some of the longer standing members of the 2 wheel community and I was hoping it might come in useful for people such as yourself 
A few comments over on this thread are worth a read too for someone starting out.
It all seems to be a very personal thing. I was quite tense on the bike at first and if I hadn't of had the time on the 125 it would of taken me a lot longer on my lesson. Another mate went for an intensive course, failed Mod1 2x and has just (literally 10min ago) trailered away my 125 so he can have some time getting comfortable on the bike before he goes for it again.
'tis also a nice feeling after 9/10months of riding a 125 to be able to then pass your test and jump on your 'big' bike feeling like you've earnt it
Go and try the lids on is my best recommendation. Different style lids (even with the same manufacturer) can adjust which size you need (My Nolan lid is a large but my mate's Nolan lid is a Medium and fits me just as well!)
Sure someone with more experience will be able to tell you more on the lid front, the SHARP ratings website is quite interesting (Like EuroNCAP for skid lids)
Hooli said:
carmadgaz said:
Ahh yes "Don't touch the brakes" is a fun game to play until it becomes a necessity! I did it for 25 miles back from Hereford and I was glad to return to base! Coming back all the way from Spain sounds like hell 
Lucky the back brake is quite good on mine, used those pads up too oddly enough. . I have tried to practice with the back brake in an emergency but I really need a longer pedal (or a bigger bike) as I have to consciously turn my foot in before I can use the rear brake on the 500 
Been out for a ride with a mate who has just bought a 125 (MY old 125) and really enjoyed it. He has already started on his DAS training and while he wasn't getting away from me he wasn't holding me up either. Glad the old girl has gone to a good home
darthdicky said:
Cheers guys, that's really helpful. I did the CBT yesterday and the instructors advice was that I'd probably benefit from some more time on a 125 which I think I agree with. He let me keep the bike for the afternoon so I had a good 3-4 hours to head out and get more used to it and whilst I'm quite happy riding it, I think more time to get used to doing things instinctively rather than having to think it though will make the test far easier and give me more confidence when I'm being assessed. I've got a car that I have to use for work (lease scheme, business miles etc.) so it'll just be to go out and practice on but if I can get one at a good price (anyone in the South West selling one?) and sell it on for only a little less then it's probably worth it. Who's good for insurance for learners over the age of 30?
To be honest the 125 was quite fun on the roads out across Dartmoor upto about 40mph, beyond that it didn't feel so comfortable and it really struggled on the hills - in fact my Land Rover goes up some of those hills faster!
It can take a while to get used to it, that's why I did it the long way. A good little Jap bike shouldn't lose you any money (sold mine for £50 more than I paid!) and there are a few about sub £1k. I found at 26 HnR were the cheapest.To be honest the 125 was quite fun on the roads out across Dartmoor upto about 40mph, beyond that it didn't feel so comfortable and it really struggled on the hills - in fact my Land Rover goes up some of those hills faster!
Sounds like a dull 125, my Suzi would sit at 50 pretty much anywhere (but topped out around 58 downhill), certainly brisker than my Landie!
darthdicky said:
Training was with Chris and Karen from http://www.mtsridertraining.co.uk/ - very good and highly recommended from me!
Have been looking at the stock in Speed as they seem to have some fairly priced bikes, just can't decide exactly what I want at the moment. Ideally want something with a screen so I can do some longer trips without knackering myself out, but I appreciate the advice about getting something without to start with to keep repair costs down!
Was planning to hire a Tiger 800 for a day from Chris week after next to see if it suits me and is actually what I want. They're still quite a lot to buy straight off but having the bike I want is probably better than any old cheap thing from an enjoyment point of view. Not in any rush to buy just yet so will have a good look around and try a few things out.
Congratulations on getting sorted DD Have been looking at the stock in Speed as they seem to have some fairly priced bikes, just can't decide exactly what I want at the moment. Ideally want something with a screen so I can do some longer trips without knackering myself out, but I appreciate the advice about getting something without to start with to keep repair costs down!
Was planning to hire a Tiger 800 for a day from Chris week after next to see if it suits me and is actually what I want. They're still quite a lot to buy straight off but having the bike I want is probably better than any old cheap thing from an enjoyment point of view. Not in any rush to buy just yet so will have a good look around and try a few things out.
I did my test on a naked and the trip from Hereford to Newport down the DC wasn't too bad without a screen. It's easy enough to bold a screen on to most bikes though (my GS500 has a little aftermarket screen).
Something without fairing will be cheaper to insure, I've been running around on the aforementioned GS and the insurance is under £150 FC for a 26yo with 1years NCB and 5k miles pa. Might not be the most thrilling thing on the road but it's been a great bike to start out on.
The friend I took my CBT with last year brought his 125 over tonight (I'm taking it for MOT in the morning) and I jokingly suggested taking him back on my bike as he had his lid with him. Was my first time taking a pillion and it was certainly different, not as unpleasant as I was expecting but I see why they suggest extra pressure in the tyre and fiddling with the rear suspension preload!
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